Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley Teases “Never-Before-Done” Christmas Storyline for Mandy and Paddy
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley has dropped a huge festive hint, revealing that this year’s Christmas episodes will deliver a storyline unlike anything fans have ever seen before.
Mandy and Paddy Take the Spotlight
Riley, who plays the much-loved Mandy Dingle, teased that she and on-screen husband Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) will be at the centre of a groundbreaking plot this Christmas, alongside Paddy’s dad Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards).
“You’re going to find out. It’s going to straggle over the whole of Christmas and into the New Year, and it’s a storyline that’s never been done before,” Lisa told The Sun.
“When we got the script, we were told months ago, it’s something really exciting. That’s so good about soaps, we’ve planned loads of things to knock you off kilter.”
A Director Known for High-Stakes Drama
Adding to the anticipation, the Christmas Day episode will be directed by Vicky Thomas, who previously helmed Emmerdale’s devastating limousine crash that killed Amy Wyatt and Suzy Merton earlier this year.
Her return behind the camera strongly hints that the festive storyline could carry the same scale and emotional weight — but with a unique twist never attempted in soap before.
Bear’s Mysterious Disappearance
Fans last saw Bear earlier this year behaving erratically, leaving Paddy convinced he was struggling with depression. After a heated row over whether Paddy’s dog should be put down following an attack, Bear left the village, lying to his family about having a place to stay.
His sudden vanishing act sparked fears of a hidden health condition — but Riley suggested his return at Christmas may come with a “complete curveball”.
A Soap First and a Crossover Tease
The Christmas episodes will also set up a historic crossover with Coronation Street, airing in January. This one-hour special marks the first time the two ITV soaps will merge into a single storyline, making this festive period a true landmark for British television.
A Christmas to Remember
Between Bear’s mystery, Mandy and Paddy’s central role, and a promise of something “never done before”, Emmerdale’s Christmas is shaping up to be unforgettable. With a Corrie crossover on the horizon, the fallout could ripple across both soaps in the New Year.